Movie Review: "Stitch!: The Movie"

A fairly recent addition to the Disney franchise, Stitch has left viewers divided.  I've known many people who adore the little blue alien, and just as many who despise him.  I'm sort of middle of the road: not an ardent fan, but not against him either.  For what it was, this movie was good fun; it provides the cuteness you'd expect from a animated film from the House of Mouse.  Other than the wardrobe of some of the human characters--which was present in this franchise from the beginning, as it takes place in Hawaii--and a male alien wearing a young woman's clothes (played for laughs), there's little here that could be considered offensive.  If you're not into Stitch, nothing in this will change your mind, but it makes for a fun diversion for an hour, though the length seems a bit short, even for a direct-to-DVD flick.  Unless you're absolutely obsessed with that little blue thing, though, I can't recommend purchasing this.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Stuck in the Suburbs"

My friends and family know that I've been a fan of Disney Channel for quite a while.  However, I wasn't always keen on their Original Movies, also known as DCOMs.  Just after discovering Lizzie McGuire, I was all excited for the telefilm You Wish!, which starred Lalaine...only to be super disappointed.  After a few other bad experiences, I stuck with the sitcoms...until recent viewings of DCOMs on DVD were actually fun and entertaining, if only for one viewing.  Some of my friends may also know that I've been a fan of Danielle Panabaker, this telefilm's lead actress, for years; I even named my first iPod touch after her.  So, you probably would expect me to enjoy this...and I pretty much did.  While it can be silly at times, it provides cutesy escapism, which is the kind of movie I enjoy the most.  Gritty realism is not my thing--I watch movies and television shows and read books to get away from that--so, if it's yours, you won't enjoy this...but, for fans of innocent entertainment like me, this is a great one.  There's no profanity, the violence is only comedic, and about as sexual as it gets is the main character wearing a midriff-baring outfit, which she soon changes out of.  The one issue I take is with the closing credits: While I love Anneliese van der Pol and her song "Over It," it doesn't fit with the rest of the movie; it's like ending Cinderella with "Enter Sandman".

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "The Mighty Ducks"

(As part of my New Year's resolution for 2018, I will be more focused in my movie reviews and avoid unnecessary filler.  Therefore, my reviews from now on will be shorter and more to the point.)

I grew up around Disney.  Between seeing their films both in theaters and on VHS and DVD, watching their cable network and even their production on ABC, and playing computer and video games based on their properties, you could say I had a very Mousey childhood.  So, you'd probably expect me to say that I enjoyed this movie.  To a degree, I did; the stories of both Coach Bombay and his ragtag hockey team were very inspiring.  As an old-school flick, this also took me back to my childhood.  Unfortunately, it was also edgier than I was expecting.  With a movie about hockey--or pretty much any contact sport--you expect some rough-and-tumble action, and that's what you get here, though none of it is bloody or graphic.  What I didn't expect was some un-Disney-like language: the d-word and h-word get a bit of a workout, and there are also a-words and misuses of God's name.  Worse yet, some of the expletives are uttered by the kids.  While I expected a small amount of profanity--seriously, a "PG" film without any is rare--I found the amount here to be a little too high.  Add a scene involving kids looking at dirty magazines (though no nudity is shown,) and I can't recommend this to discerning viewers or families with little kids, unless you have a device that eliminates profanity from your viewing choices.

Score: 2.5/5

Movie Review: "Right on Track"

Synopsis: Erica Enders (Beverley Mitchell, 7th Heaven) wants to follow in her father's footsteps and become a champion drag racer! The only problem is: Drag racing is a male-dominated sport! Determined to prove she has what it takes to keep up with the boys, she practices hard and wins many a race, inspiring her little sister, Courtney (Brie Larson), to follow in her footsteps.  However, school, relationships, and other teenage issues get in the way of Erica's dream.  Will she give up drag racing in order to be a normal kid?
Based on a true story.

The Good: Okay, so, I'm not the target audience for this movie.  Still, I found Erica and Courtney to be likable protagonists, and the story to be inspiring, especially since it's true.  The race scenes were nicely done; it helped that the real Enders sisters served as stunt doubles for the actors playing them.  A scene showing Erica refusing to cheat to get ahead was a big plus.

The Bad: As good as this was, it was a bit pokey at times; it could have used more racing action and less school and home scenes.  Still, that's a minor complaint.

Conclusion: This movie was advertised on Disney Channel like crazy back when I first got into Lizzie McGuire; however, after a bad experience with the DCOM You Wish!, I passed on it...until it became available on iTunes; then, it sat on my hard drive for a while...until this past week, when I watched it in its entirety and had fun with it.  I doubt I'll watch it again, but it was great for what it was.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "In Search of the Castaways"

Synopsis: Young Mary Grant (Hayley Mills) has found a note in a bottle written by her father, who was lost at sea and presumed dead! She is sure that he wrote it, so, she finds a ship and a crew, and they travel around the world in search of Captain Grant...only to face one peril after another.  Between earthquakes, a flood that leaves them stranded in a tree, and getting marooned, finding Mary's father will be tough! Will they succeed?
Based on a book by Jules Verne.

The Good: Like the previous film I reviewed, this is the kind of old-school cinema adventure they don't make anymore: clean-cut, and with plenty of thrills.  I love Disney's live-action productions, and this is a perfect example of why; it stands the test of time very well.

The Bad: One quibble, and it's a bit of a spoiler: A character who quotes the Bible left and right is not only crazy, but is revealed to be a forger--aka a criminal--by the film's end.  Though I was glad to hear quotations from the Word of God, I didn't care for the fact that the character uttering them was nuts.

Conclusion: Lately, I've really been delving into Disney's history! Thanks to the library I work for and garage sales, I've been able to find these older films from the House of Mouse.  They really stand the test of time, more so than some of the studio's most recent releases will.  Fans of Mickey's live-action productions will have a blast with this.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea"

Synopsis: There's an undersea monster that has been taking the lives of sailors, and nobody can catch it! What could it be? It's soon discovered that the "monster" is actually a submarine, captained by a man named Nemo, who uses his submersible to isolate himself from society.  Professor Aronnax, his assistant, Conseil, and their cocky harpooner, Ned, believe Captain Nemo to be crazy, and try to escape...only to put the ship and its entire crew in danger.  Will the professor and his associates be able to safely emerge from the clutches of the insane Captain Nemo?
Based on the book by Jules Verne.

The Good: This is the old-school kind of adventure they don't make anymore.  Not only is it clean-cut and exciting, but there's nary a female character in sight.  (While I don't mind a character of the fairer sex, I do mind when she becomes a Mary Sue, and starts outdoing all the males in everything, which happens far too often in modern entertainment.) While this film may be quite old, it stands the test of time quite well.  It's easy to see why this continues to be revered, several decades after its release.

The Bad: The violence wasn't graphic or bloody, but some may find there to be a bit too much here, especially for a "G" film.  Also, the scenes involving smoking or drinking were rather disturbing, especially when they get their pet seal to join in.

Conclusion: Believe it or not, I haven't read the original Jules Verne novel.  (I know; what kind of bibliophile am I?) Still, I enjoyed this throwback to a time when films were meant to be enjoyed, not brooding with hidden meanings.  If you're a fan of Disney's live-action productions, you should check this out.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "Once Upon a Mattress"

Synopsis: Lady Larken (Zooey Deschanel) is expecting...but she isn't married! To avoid shaming the kingdom, she and her fiancée must wed; the only problem is, the queen of the kingdom (screen legend Carol Burnett) won't let anyone say "I do" until her son finds a bride...and Mother Dearest is making it nearly impossible for that to happen! Out of desperation, the price ventures into a faraway land and finds the Princess Winnifred (Tracey Ullman), whom he is immediately smitten with...but, the queen isn't impressed! She sets up an impossible test for the princess: Winnifred will sleep on top of twenty mattresses, under which there is a single pea.  If Winnifred falls asleep, she fails...and the queen does everything to make her insanely tired! Everyone in the castle has been waiting forever and a day to get married...but, if the princess doesn't pass this seemingly insurmountable test, they'll be waiting even longer! Can she do it?
Also starring screen legend Tom Smothers.

The Good: This was a fun musical adventure, with great musical numbers, amazing choreography, and a winning story.  Having two stars of yesteryear among the cast was a big plus, and gave this a classic feel.  Though the ending is obvious from the outset, seeing the finale made me want to cheer nonetheless.  This film even taught me a new word--incipient--which rarely happens these days, as I have a large vocabulary. All in all, I had a blast with this, except...

The Bad: I didn't like how a pregnancy outside of marriage was a main plot device.  Also, there's a scene with a sex talk of sorts, though both of those topics were handled with very old-school decorum.  The biggest concern, however, was the outfits of the female characters; too many low-cut dresses were seen.

Conclusion: I grew up on songs from Broadway musicals; my mom was a big fan, so, I heard tunes from productions ranging from The Phantom of the Opera to Les Miserables to even Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat countless times.  I'm sure I was the only kid I knew who knew who Michael Crawford, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Michael Ball even were.  So, this kind of thing is right up my alley...and that's why I enjoyed it.  It may be over a decade old, but it's a serious throwback to even older Disney movies...the kind you rarely see from any studio anymore.  Plus, I still can't believe it taught me a new word.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "G-Force"

Synopsis: They may look like ordinary guinea pigs...but, the G-Force team is anything but! When they discover that appliance manufacturer Saber is hatching a nefarious plot to take over the world using kitchen appliances, it's up to G-Force to stop him once and for all! They hit a roadblock when the FBI shuts their operation down, and the guinea pigs end up in a pet store.  Will they be able to escape and save the world?

The Good: I love movies like this: live-action, clean-cut, thrill rides.  Though the premise may be silly, the film drew me in, and kept me until the end.  The special effects were outstanding, and the voice work was fabulous, as were the action sequences.  This is the kind of Disney film I enjoy most.

The Bad: Some crude humor was present.  Also, I was disappointed in the ending.

Conclusion: Faithful readers of my reviews know that I have preferred Disney's live-action productions to their animated ones from a young age; see my earlier reviews for more on that story.  So, you'd probably expect that I enjoyed something like this...and I mostly did.  It's not a perfect film, and I don't think I'll watch it again, but, I enjoyed it for what it was.  This is a throwback to the days of old-school escapism, not the gritty realism that we see far too much in media these days.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Monsters University"

Synopsis: You know the dynamic duo of Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc....but, do you know how they first met and became friends? All young Mike (Billy Crystal) has hoped for is to be a scarer at Monsters University...but, he gets upstaged by James P. Sullivan, a member of the legendary Sullivan family.  After getting kicked out of the scaring program due to lack of scariness, Mike issues the dean of the college a challenge: If he can win a competition, they must readmit him.  Unfortunately, Mike and his fraternity of misfits don't seem to be well-suited to the games.  Will they emerge victorious, and get readmitted?
A Pixar film.

The Good: Words can't describe how blown away I was by the animation; it was so detailed, I thought I was watching either a live-action film or stop-motion animation.  The lighting, the scenery, the character designs...all incredible.  It's also fun to see what happened before Mike and Sulley met Boo, and...well, you know that story.  The narrative of the film is inspiring, and the content is very clean.

The Bad: Like with the other film in this series, some moments could be scary for young children; for older fans of movies like this, though, it's no big deal.  That's really the only complaint I have.

Conclusion: It's been a while since I've seen it, due to us not having a DVD copy...but, Monsters, Inc. is my favorite Pixar film.  It's much funnier than Finding Nemo and easier to appreciate on a small screen than The Incredibles, not that those flicks weren't great in their own right.  I had my doubts on how Pixar could follow that film up...but, they did a bang-up job, especially with the animation.  If Pixar keeps making movies like this, they've got my support.

Score: 5/5

Movie Review: "The Cheetah Girls"

Synopsis: Four musically talented New York City teenage girls (Raven, Sabrina Bryan, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams) are collectively known as the Cheetah Girls, and have dreams of making it big in the music biz.  Unfortunately, obstacles plague them at every turn: family issues, a music mogul who wants to turn them into some cutesy kiddie act, one of the Cheetahs who is a bit selfish, and plenty more.  When it seems like the Cheetah Girls are over, will they be able to reunite and rediscover what brought them together in the first place?
As seen on the Disney Channel.

The Good: First and foremost, the musical numbers were fabulous, and not just by the title group.  All of the actors do a great job, and I found the four Cheetahs to be likable.  This movie is much superior to the terrible book on which it was based.

The Bad: As good as this is, it wasn't anything spectacular, and it won't change the minds of those who aren't already Disney Channel fans.

Conclusion: This movie premiered back when I was a huge fan of the Mouse network...yet, I'm just now seeing it! How can that be? (In my defense, I was a much bigger fan of the sitcoms than...well, anything else on the channel back in the day.) I had a blast with it, and it definitely brought me back to my high school days.  However, I probably won't watch it again, though I'm interested in checking out the sequels.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Queen of Katwe"

Synopsis: Young Phiona lives in the African country of Uganda, and sells corn her mother grows only because it's the only source of income her family has.  When Phiona is introduced to the ancient game of chess, she finds she has an affinity for it; she learns to predict her opponents moves so far in advance, they think she is reading their minds.  Phiona has what it takes to become an international chess champion...but, between the funds required for entering and traveling to the tournaments, her family losing their home, and Phiona not believing 100% in herself, the odds to reaching that dream seem insurmountable.  Can she overcome them?
Based on a true story.

The Good: What an amazing film! It took me to a faraway yet real land, and illustrated its people's struggles quite vividly.  It also features a main character who overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds, and challenged me to refrain from chickening out when faced with problems, whether small or big.  Better yet, it portrays the Christian faith in a positive light.  Though there are references to sex, they're handled with very old-school decorum.  The performances, sets, and production values in general were all fabulous.

The Bad: Other than one misuse of God's name, I can't come up with any complaints.  I will say one thing: Largely accented dialogue may make you want to turn on the closed captions or English subtitles in order to understand what they're saying.  Also, some Lugandan dialogue, which is subtitled in English, may present a problem for those with reading issues.

Conclusion: While I've adored many of Disney's live-action productions, this is in a class all its own.  Inspiring and affirming, this is the kind of cinema we need more of.  If you haven't seen this, you definitely should.

Score: 5/5

Movie Review: "Oz the Great and Powerful"

Synopsis: Oscar, also known as the great and powerful Oz, is a magician with a traveling circus whose act hasn't been doing very well lately.  When he lands himself in trouble with the circus' strongman, he hops into a hot air balloon to make an escape...only for a storm to take him to the land of Oz, where it was prophesied that a great wizard who bears the name of the land will save them from utter disaster.  There, the magician meets three witches, two of which turn out to be evil, and want to rule the land of Oz with an iron fist.  However, Glinda, the good witch, wants Oz saved, and she believes Oscar can do it.  However, the so-called "wizard" is merely a master of illusion, not a sorcerer.  Will he be able to rescue his namesake land from the clutches of the two evil witches?

The Good: I love a good, clean-cut, fantasy/action story, and this is definitely one.  The special effects were amazing; the characters either easily likable or utterly despicable; the action sequences were on point; all in all, a fun adventure that brings L. Frank Baum's fictional land into modern cinema.

The Bad: While minor, some content concerns did exist, namely the low-cut wardrobes of the witches, including Glinda.  There's also magic present, but, anything that deals with the land of Oz would have that, right? Occasional name-calling and misuses of God's name pops up, and there are a few scary moments.  However, this film does not betray its "PG" rating.

Conclusion: I've mentioned more than once that I've always been more partial to Disney's live-action productions; while the House of Mouse has done some animated marvels, especially with Pixar, I've always preferred the non-cartoon ones.  So, something like this is right up my alley...and that made me enjoy it all the more.  Maybe this isn't Disney as you've come to expect it, but this is how I like my Mickey Mouse productions.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "The Muppets"

Synopsis: Walter, a lifelong fan of Kermit, Miss Piggy and crew, dreams of visiting the Muppet studio.  When he, his brother Gary, and Gary's significant other, Mary (Amy Adams), finally make the trek over there, they discover that it's been largely abandoned.  Worse yet, Walter overhears an evil tycoon's plan to buy the Muppet studio only to dig up the oil reserve beneath it.  The only way the nefarious scheme can be stopped is if Kermit and friends can raise ten million dollars.  Kermit assembles the old crew together to put on a benefit...but, that nefarious oil baron will stop at nothing to be the owner of the Muppet studios.  Will Kermie prevail in the end?
Features appearances by Jack Black, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris, Selena Gomez, Emily Blunt, and several other celebrities.

The Good: After Jim Henson died, the Muppet franchise went into a downward spiral.  Muppet Treasure Island and Muppets from Space were pretty good...but, after the mediocre and somewhat crude It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, the absolutely horrible The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, and the inane A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa, things seemed bleak for Kermit and crew.  Well, I'm happy to say that this film brings back the Muppet magic.  It's a serious throwback to a time when movies were made to simply be enjoyed, not picked apart for hidden meanings.  Humor abounds; the musical numbers were great; the heroes were likable; the villain was utterly despicable; and, there's many a cute moment.

The Bad: Unfortunately, the makers felt the need to add some occasional crude bits, though it's nowhere near as egregious as in the other Muppet flicks mentioned above.  Without them, this movie could have scored a "G".

Conclusion: I grew up watching the Muppets in various forms: movies, both older and newer; Muppet Babies; Muppets Tonight; and, yes, even Fraggle Rock.  That may make me a bit biased, but, I still had a blast with this movie.  Say what you will about Disney; they brought back the Muppets to their former glory.  Whereas the movies from the 2000s would have made Jim Henson turn in his grave, this would have made the late Muppet creator proud.  Let's hope the next movie, Muppets: Most Wanted, continues this trend.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "Tomorrowland"

Synopsis: As a kid, Frank Walker (George Clooney) dreamed of being an inventor.  When he showed his jet pack prototype to Governor Nix (Hugh Laurie) at a World's Fair, he ended up discovering Tomorrowland, a futuristic world featuring technology he could only dream of.  A few decades later, an arrest leads to teenager Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) getting a pin that also leads her to Tomorrowland...only for it to run out of power.  When she and now middle-aged Frank find each other, they discover what the futuristic world really is...and how it has a huge impact on our world today.

The Good: I'm not a big George Clooney fan, but, I have to hand it to him: He did an excellent job in this movie, as did the rest of the cast.  The special effects were amazing, and the plot kept me involved.  This kid of old-school action/adventure flick is the kind of Disney movie that I like, and I had a blast with this one.

The Bad: If only they'd kept things a bit cleaner.  While I expected violence--what is science fiction without it?--I wasn't expecting at least twelve to fifteen profanities, ranging from d-words to h-words to misuses of God's name to even the British crudity "b-----ks".  Also, a scene or two may frighten children.

Conclusion: When people think Disney, they usually think animation: Mickey Mouse, Aladdin, Cinderella, Finding Nemo, etc.  However, I have always been more partial to their live-action productions; even before Lizzie McGuire changed my life, my favorite Mouse House flicks were ones such as Flubber or George of the Jungle.  So, as you'd expect, this kind of movie is right up my alley.  Profanity aside, this was a fun live-action thrill ride with a convoluted plot! I know the critics didn't like it...but, what do they know? Fans of non-animated Disney productions will enjoy this.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "The Cat Returns"

Synopsis: While walking home from school, Japanese teenager Haru (Anne Hathaway) rescues a cat from the middle of a busy highway.  When the cat talks to her and tells her that her good deed will be greatly repaid, she is shocked...and is even more dismayed to discover that the Cat King has arranged for her to marry his son, the prince...which would mean Haru would have to become a cat.  When a voice tells her to find the Cat Bureau, the felines there vow to help her out of her predicament...but, with Haru already growing whiskers and paws, they may be too late.
Produced by Studio Ghibli.

The Good: The above plot sounds weird, doesn't it? Well, as bizarre as the storyline may seem, this movie makes it work really well.  It definitely kept me gripped until the end, something that other movies from this studio (Spirited Away, The Secret World of Arrietty) didn't do.  The animation is excellent, and the voice work--in the English dub, at least--was spot-on.

The Bad: The only complaint I have is that this was a bit short; seventy-five minutes is rather a low runtime for a theatrically released film.

Conclusion: Back in the day, I was a big Anne Hathaway fan...but, I'm just now seeing this.  While I've moved on from her and celebrity crushes in general, I still enjoyed this movie quite a bit.  I need to check out other movies from Studio Ghibli; the library I work for has plenty of them!

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "A Heavenly Christmas"

Synopsis: It's the Christmas season, and Eve (Kristin Davis) is busy at work, as usual.  Worse yet, her devotion to her job, and ambition to reach a higher position, has led her to neglect her friends and family, and miss out on the holidays in general.  When she slips on some ice and hits her head, she is transported to heaven, where she is told to be a Christmas angel to another family.  Max (Eric McCormack) has custody of his niece, Lauren, after her mother, who also happened to be Max's singing partner, died in a car accident.  Lauren's grandparents are threatening to take her with them to Florida for good, and Max has completely given up on his music career, despite having serious talent.  Will Eve be able to save this family in need...and discover the true spirit of the holidays?
As seen on Hallmark Channel.

The Good: While this film's plot was quite similar to another Hallmark Yuletide movie I watched fairly recently, I still enjoyed it.  Kristin Davis was a wonderful leading lady, and the rest of the cast also did very well.  It also makes a very good point that many of us need to hear: Don't get so wrapped up in what's not all that important that you miss out on what's right in front of you! Also, the soundtrack was great.

The Bad: One unfortunate moment was thrown into the mix: When Eve first appears in heaven, she is seen wearing a very low-cut top.  Even if the location was different, that still doesn't feel right for a Hallmark movie.  Also, as you might expect, the theology of angels was skewed, and two or so uses of the euphemism "gosh" appear.

Conclusion: It's weird to see a former Sex and the City actress as the lead in a movie like this, but I still really enjoyed it as a whole.  If you're a fan of holiday telefilms, you've probably seen this plot before...but, then again, King Solomon once said, "There is nothing new under the sun."  People who prefer harder cinema won't enjoy this, but, for fans of clean-cut media, such as myself, this is worth watching, though maybe not purchasing.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "The Reckoning"

Synopsis: Katherine Mayfield (Katie LeClerc) is living the dream.  After discovering that her biological mother was the head of a multi-million-dollar charitable foundation, Katherine inherited it all after her mom's death.  Katherine is also very much in love with her significant other, Richard, who has just proposed marriage to her.  All seems to be as it should be...until Daniel Fisher, a boy from the same Amish community where Katherine was raised, and who was once pledged to be married to her, but was thought to be dead, appears, alive and well, and professes his love for her.  Will Katherine be able to make the right decision?
Based on the book by Beverly Lewis.

The Good: This film series has been great up to this point, and this last outing continues the trend.  A captivating plot; great acting; amazing sets; a likable heroine; wonderful morals; nothing profane or sexual (save for a brief reference to a honeymoon and another to an extramarital pregnancy, both of which are handled with serious decorum)...this is how I like my movies!

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Conclusion: If you've watched this series of telefilms up to this point, you definitely should continue with this one; I had a blast with it.  Not only is it very clean-cut, but it's a charmer.  I hope they make more of Beverly Lewis' books into movies; as long as they keep up the momentum they have going, the next films will be winners as well!

Score: 5/5

Movie Review: "Iron Man 3"

Synopsis: Tony Stark's past has come back to haunt him.  When he stood up a huge admirer of his on New Year's Eve 1999, Stark had no idea that his one-time fan would become the Mandarin, a ruthless terrorist who uses people as his weapons.  After Stark's house gets decimated and his girlfriend, Pepper Potts, gets kidnapped, he is bound and determined to stop the Mandarin once and for all...but, even all of his technology may not be enough to defeat his one-time biggest fan.
Based on stories from Marvel Comics.

The Good: As usual, the action scenes were excellent.  Robert Downey, Jr., does his usual fabulous job playing Tony Stark, and the rest of the cast also did well.  The film makes a great point about how past mistakes can come back to haunt you; something we need to hear more in this apathetic world!

The Bad: Unfortunately, the makers decided to add too much unnecessary content.  This flick is oversexed; too many women, including Pepper and some random nameless ladies, are seen in not very much clothing.  One scene even shows two women in bed together, and a guy who is just stopped short of climbing in with them.  An illicit relationship between Pepper and Tony is also implied.  Also, the profanity count is higher than many discerning viewers would be comfortable with; between d-words, h-words, and other expletives, alongside euphemisms such as "crap" and "screw it," the language was over the top.

Conclusion: Unless you've totally avoided superhero or action/adventure films over the past decade or so, you've probably seen fight or action sequences that were amazingly done, with CG and the whole nine yards.  While this film has that, and it's great, such scenes are a dime a dozen these days.  What isn't is clean content: movies and TV shows with little or no profanity or sexual content.  Too many flicks decide to "dirty it up" when they don't even need to.  This movie could have gotten "PG-13" without the unnecessary bits; still, the makers decided to push the rating as far as they could...which is just sad.  If you're looking for clean-cut superheroes, I suggest one of the Marvel or DC animated series, such as The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes or Batman: The Animated Series.  Those versions of comic book adventures feature characters I can actually admire, and stories I would want to revisit.

Score: 2/5

Movie Review: "November Christmas"

Synopsis: It's story time at the library, and a young woman is reading the book she wrote, about a time when she was younger that changed her life forever:  Young Vanessa is suffering from cancer, and her parents are afraid she won't live to see the holidays...so, they decide to bring the holidays to her! The whole town, including Vanessa's neighbors, celebrate Halloween and Christmas well in advance in her honor.  Even though Vanessa is overjoyed, her numbers seem to be dropping, and her parents are very worried.  Will she be able to defeat cancer?
A Hallmark Hall of Fame telefilm.

The Good: Films under the Hallmark banner--regardless of which channel they premiered on--are usually touching, sweet, and innocent stories...as is this one.  The actors all do well here, and the film has a lot of small-town charm.  As a lover of family-friendly entertainment, this is something that's right up my alley.

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Conclusion: If you like sweet, touching stories, you should try a Hallmark Hall of Fame telefilm sometime.  While they aren't all amazing--so, you probably should check reviews before trying one out--there are some really good ones...such as this one.  The library I work for has plenty more volumes in this series; I probably should check them out!

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "Cancel Christmas"

Synopsis: Santa Claus (Judd Nelson) is almost out of a job! Receiving gifts has made kids too greedy, and the true spirit of Christmas is lost.  Santa is sent on a mission: to make three kids--two troublemaker best friends, and a handicapped boy--learn what the holidays are truly about...but, he can't give away his true identity.  Posing as a school custodian named Kris Frost, he and one of his elves have their work cut out for them...but, if they fail, Christmas will be a thing of the past!
As seen on Hallmark Channel.

The Good: Hallmark telefilms are usually good, clean fun, and that's what this is.  In our commercialized, greedy times, this is a message that people everywhere--especially kids--need to hear.  Even the characters learn big lessons, and not just the kids.  There weren't really any content issues, except...

The Bad: One scene features a young male elf dressing up as an old woman, which he refers to as "drag".  Also, the final scene, which features a grown woman acting like a little child, made me groan.

Conclusion: Holidays and Hallmark go together; no question.  Fans of other Yuletide telefilms from that brand will definitely enjoy this.  Not much to say other than that.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Uncommon"

Synopsis: After the death of his brother in a school shooting, high school student Aaron Chase gets a fresh start at a new school.  Inspired by his late sibling's faith, he decides to start a Bible study group at his school, which leads to opposition from the faculty, who become even more irate when he decides to help the drama club put on a play based on stories from the Bible.  It seems that Aaron is facing an insurmountable challenge; will he be able to proclaim his faith in the halls of his public school?
Also starring Erik Estrada (CHiPs).

The Good: Not since the last God's Not Dead film have I seen a movie that illustrates the debate over the Christian faith as well as this.  Even though the law is on their side, Christian students often face opposition from the faculty, who don't want them to express their faith.  Aaron is a likable hero, and the friends he makes in the drama club become more likable as the movie goes on.  It's a treat to see screen legend Erik Estrada in this, though it's surprising to see him play something other than a police officer.  All in all, this was enjoyable, except...

The Bad: I would have liked to have seen more of the play they put on; all we see is one musical number, then, the credits roll.  Also, the closed captioning is really messed up; then again, that tends to happen with a lot of Christian films.

Conclusion: What is the true meaning of separation of church and state? Not what some people would lead us to believe, as this movie illustrates very well.  Fans of movies such as the God's Not Dead series will likely enjoy this; I know I did.  This film challenges its viewers to live out and express their faith in the face of opposition; we need more movies that do that.  Are you listening, Christian cinema people?

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Hidden Secrets"

Synopsis: After the death of their friend Chris, these friends will never be the same.  Jeremy (David A.R. White) is torn between his current girlfriend and his old flame.  Gary (John Schneider, Smallville) isn't sure what to make of this whole Jesus thing.  Rhonda is a mother-to-be who can't stop condemning the sins of everyone else.  When all of them end up staying in the same house, everything changes.  Will it be for the better...or the worse?
Also starring Reginald VelJohnson (Family Matters).

The Good: Pure Flix's movies are usually a delight, and this one is no exception.  This film portrays Christians as the flawed people they really are, and shows that even those of the Way have a lot to learn.  I know many people--myself included--could glean a lot of wisdom from the character of Rhonda.  While past sins are uncovered, they're vilified for just what they are.  An appearance by CCM band Building 429 and artist Rachael Lampa are a plus.

The Bad: The wardrobe is a bit immodest; supposedly Christian female characters wear tops that are low-cut, albeit slightly.  Also, the closed captions, which have plagued many a film by this studio, are too small and poorly done.

Conclusion: Pure Flix has given Christian cinema a serious jolt; their movies attract mainstream talent, and (almost) never suffer from the poor production values that have negatively affected many films in the genre, such as the dreadful C Me Dance.  While some cinephiles may not care for such flicks, as a longtime lover of morally decent entertainment, I find their productions to be wonderful.  After seeing this, I'm excited to see their interpretation of the story of Samson from the book of Judges; it should be amazing!

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "My Sister's Keeper" (2002)

Synopsis: Judith (Elizabeth Perkins) and Christine (Kathy Bates) are two very different sisters.  Chrissy has Schizo-Affective Disorder, which causes her to hear voices and experience all sorts of mental trauma, even being checked into a mental hospital at a young age.  When they become adults, Judy tries to live her own life...but, Chrissy's neediness gets in the way, especially after the death of their mother (Lynn Redgrave).  Will the two sisters ever be able to get along?
Also features Hallee Hirsh (Flight 29 Down) and Kimberly J. Brown (Halloweentown).

The Good: The performances in this movie are great; the two Disney actresses do a wonderful job as young Judy and Chrissy, and they're portrayed just as amazingly when they're older.  This film does a fabulous job of portraying a real-life disorder, and shows what a family goes through when one member suffers from such a thing.  The content is mostly as clean as you'd expect from a Hallmark Hall of Fame telefilm, except...

The Bad: Two sexual references pop up: one about the size of the sister's chests, another about an illicit relationship.  However, the main problem is with the ending; it's far too pat, and leaves too much unresolved.

Conclusion: A week or two ago, I watched the old-school Hallmark Hall of Fame telefilm The Promise, which, ironically, is also about schizophrenia.  This film is much better: cleaner content, a better portrayal, characters who are much more likable, etc.  Still, on its own, it's not very good; the ending ruined things for me, even though the beginning was fabulous.  Unless you're fanatical about anything with the Gold Crown stamped on it, I suggest watching something else.

Score: 2.5/5

Movie Review: "The Christmas Secret"

Synopsis: Christine Eisley (Bethany Joy Lenz) is in a serious predicament.  After her divorce, she packed up with her kids and moved to a small town where her father, whom she never knew, reportedly grew up.  As a single mom struggling to make ends meet, her ex is hounding her about spending more time with their kids.  When an unfortunate circumstance leads to her being late to her job, she gets fired, only to get hired at a place called Betty's Bakery.  She soon meets a guy who she feels a connection with, but, one thing or another prevents their first date from happening.  Will they ever fall in love? Will Christine be able to keep custody of her children, and keep her household financially afloat?
Based on the book by Donna VanLiere.  As seen on Hallmark Channel.

The Good: Hallmark Channel telefilms are usually right up my alley; much like Disney Channel Original Movies--aka DCOMs--they're morally decent and well-made.  This one is no exception: no profanity, save for one misuse of God's name; sex is limited to kissing; no violence, though there is a threatening situation; no drug use, except for adults presumably drinking alcohol (it's not really clear).  More than that, this TV movie has a great story that draws you in.  Even the revelation at the end was a complete surprise to me.  The characters are easily likable, except for the ex, who is appropriately despicable.

The Bad: Other than the minor moral qualms mentioned above, nothing, really.  I will say that this probably isn't worth a purchase.

Conclusion: I mentioned in a previous review that my mom, who instilled in me the value of media discernment, usually loves Hallmark's telefilms.  After watching this, I think that's something she and I can agree on; with smut on nearly every channel on our Verizon services, it's nice to have a channel that sticks to morally decent shows and movies, especially since adults are the target audience as well.  If you're looking for something sweet to watch with your sweetheart or family this Yule, check this one out.

Score: 4.5/5

DVD Review: "Is Your Love Tank Full?"

Synopsis: Is your love tank full...or are you loving on empty? With his usual down-home, humorous style Dennis "The Swan" Swanberg tells of his experiences loving people in their own love language.  Whether he is shopping at the mall for a gift for his wife, or hugging his mother, hilarity abounds!

The Good: What "The Swan" has done well before in previous recorded live performances I've watched, he continues to excel at here.  His good-natured, clean humor is always a delight, especially in a time when even some "Christian" comedy is far too smutty, as was the case with Thou Shalt Laugh 3.  Mr. Swanberg has a way of looking at life through a humorous lens, which is something we all should do more often.  It's easy to see why he is a beloved Christian comic; I particularly enjoyed his impressions of Sesame Street characters.

The Bad: As good as this is, I do have one complaint: Some of the jokes here are ones I've heard in other videos of his.  If you're new to his material, you won't mind; however, longtime fans may be disappointed in the occasional rehash.  Also of note: There are no closed captions or English subtitles on this DVD, which may disappoint deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers.

Conclusion: I've talked before about growing up hearing the comedic stylings of Mark Lowry, Taylor Mason, and, yes, Dennis Swanberg.  Maybe I'm biased, but, I had fun with this one, even though he did reuse some material.  Fans of Christian comedy will enjoy this.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "The Case for Christ"

Synopsis: While out to dinner with his wife, Lee Strobel experiences a miracle: his young daughter's life being saved by Alfie, a nurse who happened to be there, even though she had planned to go to a different restaurant.  Leslie, Lee's wife, believes it's divine providence and starts attending church with Alfie; Lee, however, has always been a stickler for the facts--he is an investigative reporter, after all--and has trouble believing in something he can't see, hear, or touch.  So, he decides to investigate Christianity: Did Jesus really die? Did He rise from the dead? Did all of those ancient witnesses really see Him resurrected? Lee may be bent on disproving it, but, he and his family are in for a big surprise...
Based on a true story.  From Pure Flix (God's Not Dead, Jerusalem Countdown, Revelation Road, etc.)

The Good: Pure Flix's movies are usually top-notch when it comes to production values, and this movie is no exception.  The entire movie takes place during the 1980s, but, the sets, clothes, and hairstyles were very authentic; I had to remind myself that I was watching a film just released this year.  As you'd expect, the flick makes a fabulous case for the Christian faith; it shows how even a hardened investigative reporter can find the Way.  All of the performances were outstanding.

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Conclusion: With an exception here and there (Hollow, for one) I always enjoy Pure Flix's movies.  Even ones with Rapture theology, which I don't agree with, are presented in a much more accessible way than other attempts at the same message, such as the Left Behind mess.  As much as I like the studio's other films, this one is a step up even higher for them.  It probably doesn't hurt that they had a mainstream studio (Universal, in this case) helping them out.  Fans of Christian movies are definitely in for a treat with this one.

Score: 5/5

Movie Review: "The Gospel of John" (2014)

Synopsis: It's the most beloved of the Gospels...come to life! John, the last of the four Gospels, gives a different take on the life of Jesus.  Watch as Christ comes into the world, starts His ministry, gains followers, is persecuted for speaking the truth, gets killed on a cross, and rises again! Word-for-word from the Bible, and shot on location using actors from the Holy Land, this is the greatest story ever told...as you've never seen it before!

The Good: In the same vein as The Gospel of Mark, this movie is a faithful representation of the fourth Gospel.  The DVD allows you to choose between the KJV and NIV, which is an excellent use of the technology.  All of the scenes are appropriately dramatized, and the sets and performances are wonderful.

The Bad: For some people, the filming style may be bothersome.  Instead of hearing the actors speak the dialogue in English, like in the Visual Bible films, this one features foreign actors speaking in the original tongues while a guy narrates.  That, in my opinion, makes it inferior to the previously released Gospel of John movie, though this is still great for what it is.

Conclusion: The makers of this movie series have been busy; I recently saw online where they made a celluloid version of Luke, as well.  Though it may be different than what many viewers are used to, it still makes for an excellent teaching tool.  As long as you don't go into this expecting it to be like the Visual Bible films, you'll likely enjoy it.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "The Promise" (1986)

Synopsis: After the death of his mother, Bobby (James Garner) is obligated to fulfill a promise he made to her: to look after his brother, D.J. (James Woods).  The only problem is: D.J. suffers from schizophrenia, and is rather difficult to handle! Bobby tries and tries to help his brother out, but things keep getting out of hand.  Will he be able to get through to D.J.?
Part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame series of telefilms.

The Good: This film garnered serious critical acclaim upon its release, and the acting is superb, especially James Woods as a mentally challenged man.  Not since Tony Shalhoub's portrayal of "defective detective"Adrian Monk have I seen a psychological condition portrayed that well.  The other actors also do well, but, it's pretty much D.J.'s show here.  Also, the production values are great for an old-school telefilm.

The Bad: If only the moral content matched up to the rest of the movie.  Profanity abounds, ranging from at least six or so uses each of the d-word and h-word, plus a misuse of God's name or two, alongside euphemisms such as "gee" and "butt".  One scene shows Bobby engaging in sexual activity with a woman--he isn't married--which gets interrupted when D.J. walks in; the woman is later referred to as "a whore," though she really isn't one.  Plus, the emotional scenes, especially the fighting between D.J. and Bobby, can be hard to watch at times; then again, maybe that's the point.

Conclusion: Several Hallmark telefilms--The Love Letter, Follow the Stars Home, The Christmas Card, etc.--are among my mom's favorites.  Not only are they sweet romances, but they're very clean when it comes to content; the former one barely even earns its "PG" rating.  My mom believes in media discernment--she's the one who instilled that value in me--so, I thought that a classic Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie like this would be right up my alley (and hers, too)...but, it wasn't.  You'd think that old-school media would be cleaner than the newer stuff; well, not in this case.  Though the performances were fabulous, the "PG-13" (even by modern standards) content ruined this for me.

Score: 2/5

Movie Review: "Christmas Magic"

Synopsis: Carrie (Lindy Booth, The Librarians) is focused on her job--event-planning--and her job only.  All of that changes when a car accident leads to her appearing in purgatory.  An angel sends her on a mission: Help a failing restaurant owner turn his business around...and help him rediscover Christmas as well.  She is given until Christmas Eve to do so...but, she soon falls for the single guy and his adorable daughter, Abby.  Carrie doesn't want to leave them so soon, but, it seems that she has no choice but to enter the afterlife once Yule comes around.  Will the family make it without her?

The Good: Hallmark Channel movies are usually good, clean fun, and this one is no exception.  It serves as a parable of what's truly important in life, and how we often lose sight of it.  The content is so clean, I doubt this would have gotten anything other than "G" from the MPAA: as sexual as it gets is kissing; no violence (the accident is implied); no profanity (at least, not the kind they would care about; more on that later); and, no drug content, aside from adults occasionally drinking alcoholic beverages.  All in all, great viewing, except...

The Bad: It's unfortunate that six or so misuses of God's name made it into this film, especially since as profane as it gets otherwise is "butt".  Also, some may be bothered that the theology of angels is skewed, but, when does secular Hollywood ever get that right?

Conclusion: After having a blast with the first season of The Librarians two months ago, I came across this movie while shelving, and figured it would be right up my alley...and, it was.  Fans of sweet holiday telefilms will have a blast with this...but, you already knew that, right?

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "Yellow Sky"

Synopsis: While on the run from the law, a group of Old West criminals find the town of Yellow Sky, once a thriving place, but now largely abandoned, except for a young woman (Anne Baxter) and her aging grandfather.  The guys start falling for her, but she is a force to be reckoned with; she can shoot a pistol with the best of them.  When the criminals discover gold behind the woman's house, one of them cuts a deal with her and her grandpa...but, the other guys don't want to honor that deal.  Who will strike it rich?

The Good: The sound and video quality on this DVD version are excellent.  Even on my iPad with Apple earbuds, the film looks and sounds amazing, with more detail than you'd expect from a black and white flick.  It's also a treat to see the legendary, late Gregory Peck in a starring role.  Since this is an older movie, the violence is handled with "PG" decorum that you often don't see in newer cinema.

The Bad: If only the rest of the movie was along the same lines.  Along with two uses of "jacka--," there were some scenes that seemed to imply sex, possibly rape.  The guys often drink whiskey, as well.  My biggest complaint, however, was that this film was largely dull.  Its quiet moments went on for too long, and even the action was a bit uninteresting.

Conclusion: They don't make them like this anymore.  Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Yes.  While the old-school decorum made this more enjoyable, the negative aspects and the overall blandness made it less so.  Gregory Peck's performance is excellent; the film simply isn't.  Unless you're an old-school Western fanatic, I can't recommend this one.

Score: 2/5

Movie Review: "Christian Mingle: The Movie"

Synopsis: Gwyneth Hayden (Lacey Chabert) has been very unlucky in love; her friends have all gotten engaged or married, while she hasn't even had a serious relationship in a while.  In hopes of finding Mr. Right, she joins the dating site Christian Mingle; problem is, she doesn't know much about the Christian faith, and hasn't been to church in years.  Soon after joining, she meets Paul, who she immediately falls for.  She tells Paul and his family that she is a Christian, hoping that they'll believe her.  When her ruse is discovered, will it be permanent splitsville for Gwyneth and Paul?

The Good: The only compliment I have about this movie is its soundtrack; it's great to hear songs from Christian artists ranging from TobyMac to Mandisa to Andraé Crouch, though it's also a shame that such good music is wasted on this effort.

The Bad: Wow; where to start? The Christians in this movie do not act like people of the Way should; instead of guiding Gwyneth to the faith, they judge her.  Paul, who is supposed to be her Mr. Right, is a jerk and rather despicable; after what he said to her toward the end of the movie, she should have never spoken to him again.  One of the "Christian"characters is even played by Morgan Fairchild, who played a temptress in a live production of The Graduate, for crying out loud.  The ending is too pat, and a post-credits scene shows Gwyneth and Paul kissing passionately while sitting on their couch under a blanket, when they're not married; I'm a lifelong single, but I know what that could lead to!  Even the closed captioning is among the worst I've seen in twenty years of watching shows and movies with it turned on; it was both lagging and poorly written! The biggest complaint I have, though, is that this film makes light of non-Christians pretending to be of the faith, which is not a good thing, and something I have personal history with; more on that in the next section.

Conclusion: Those of you who know me know that I'm a child of divorce; what you may not know is that, though my mom was raised in the church and became a Christian at a young age, my biological father never was...though they met in a church building, and got married because he conned her into thinking that he was a member of the Way.  It's a decision I'm sure she still regrets to this day.  Due to that family history, I've always been wary about sites such as Christian Mingle; while I know many people--including some friends--have found true love that way, I'm afraid that I might go to meet someone who I think is my dream girl, only to end up robbed at gunpoint, raped, or fatally stabbed.  You may call that paranoia, but look at the history I just described; can you blame me? So, for this film to make light of people who aren't of the faith joining a Christian dating website is just unthinkable; it's pretty much a slap in the face, and makes me even less inclined to join such a site, especially since the "Christian" characters are judgmental jerks.  If it weren't for the soundtrack, this would be tied with C Me Dance as the worst Christian movie I've ever seen.

Score: 1/5

Movie Review: "Spider-Man: Homecoming"

Synopsis: High school student Peter Parker has a big secret: he's Spider-Man! He can't risk telling anyone, even his best friend or his guardian, Aunt May.  Constantly bullied at school for being a science geek, Peter has a crush on Liz, a popular girl, but can't tell her about his alter ego.  While thwarting a bank robbery, Peter discovers the bandits using what seems to be alien technology.  Where are they getting it, and how? When he unearths the villains' dastardly plans, he knows he must do everything in his power to stop them...but, will his arachnid powers be enough?

The Good: It's good to see a Spider-Man film that charts new territory.  No Uncle Ben murder scene; the spider bite is only discussed, not shown; and, Aunt May is much younger and more attractive.  It's also great to see an ethnically diverse cast, especially Disney Channel star Zendaya (Shake It Up).  The action sequences were spot-on.

The Bad: If only the makers hadn't felt the need to add too much unnecessary content to the mix.  Profanities, especially the h-word, d-word, and misuses of God's name pop up far too many times; as if that wasn't enough, the last line before the end credits features an unfinished f-word.  Turning Peter Parker's name into a crude joke was also disturbing.  This is definitely not for young children.

Conclusion: One of the things I've always liked about superhero films is that they usually keep it clean.  Sure, there's violence, but, there's not much of the profanity, sex, and other crudity that plagues "PG-13" films of other genres.  However, this movie doesn't do that; the amount of expletives and obscene jokes are completely over the top.  If they make a sequel, I hope they lighten up in that department.

Score: 2/5

Movie Review: "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"

Synopsis: Newt Scamander is a British wizard traveling to America in search of some magical creatures.  While in New York City, a mishap leads to the magical world getting exposed to the general public, with a wannabe baker, Jacob, right in the middle of it.  Tina, who is a bit of a witch herself, tries to help Newt get his creatures back and prevent any more magical mayhem...but, soon, they face a dark entity that has powers untold.  Will they be able to capture it before it destroys New York City?
Screenplay written by J.K. Rowling.

The Good: This one does have its moments; I'll give it that.  Newt was a likable hero, and Tina was a great right hand woman.  The sets were excellent, and really took me back to yesteryear.

The Bad: Alongside the profanity--which ranged from d-words to the British über-crudity "b----r"--this movie portrayed the Christian faith in a negative light.  A woman in a church cruelly abuses her adopted children because of their magical abilities.  Sure, it's not mentioned that it's a church in the film, but the published screenplay does so multiple times.  This was exceptionally disappointing, with Rowling claiming to be a Christian.  Also, the overall story doesn't feel very Potter-ish, and the character of Queenie was too sultry.

Conclusion: It seems like they'll make anything into a movie these days.  When I first heard that the bestselling pregnancy manual What to Expect When You're Expecting was getting the celluloid treatment, I thought: What's next? A film version of Mac OS X for Dummies? Like any business, the movie studios are in it to make money, and there are few properties that are nearly as bankable as Harry Potter.  Well, I may be the odd one out, but, I would say this: Unless you're an HP fanatic, I'd suggest skipping this; it doesn't even come close to the feel of the original books or films.

Score: 2/5

Movie Review: "Scooby-Doo Meets Batman"

Synopsis: Penguin and the Joker are on the loose again! It's up to Batman and Robin to thwart the plans of their dastardly nemeses once and for all! A mystery is also afoot, which means the Mystery, Inc. gang is on the case! Watch as the Dynamic Duo stop a money laundering scheme and prevent a major theft...all alongside Scooby-Doo and friends!

The Good: I love old-school style animation; the classic cartoons are usually much better than what passes for kiddie 'toons these days.  Scooby-Doo and Batman may sound like an odd crossover, but it works rather well.  There's plenty of action alongside the usual whodunit.  Kids who are a fan of both that insane Great Dane and the Caped Crusader are in for a treat.

The Bad: Unfortunately, older fans such as myself have likely seen this before.  Instead of being an original, feature length story, this is merely two episodes of The New Scooby-Doo Movies.  Unless you're completely new to Scooby, you probably saw this on Cartoon Network or somewhere else years ago.  It still makes for a fun throwback, but, for those expecting new material, forget it.  Also, in the second part, the scientist's bungling of his words was rather annoying.

Conclusion: Warner Brothers has a knack for taking its television animation and turning it into "movies".  Case in point: A while ago, I watched The Batman/Superman Movie, only for it to be a pastiche of episodes I'd already seen.  That's exactly what this is.  While kids may love it, for older fans, an actual season set would be more enjoyable.  Sure, it was fun for what it was, but, it could have been a lot better.

Score: 3/5

Movie Review: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two"

Synopsis: Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on the hunt for the Horcruxes: parts of the evil Lord Voldemort's soul.  Voldemort now has the Elder Wand, believed to be the most powerful wand in existence, and will stop at nothing to kill Harry and anyone who stands between the two of them.  Will Harry find the Horcruxes in time and defeat Voldemort once and for all, or will the Dark Lord finally succeed at what he failed to do all those years ago? It all ends here.
Based on the bestselling book by J.K. Rowling.

The Good: This finale is appropriately epic at times, and has some of the most exciting and intense scenes in the entire series.  If you've followed the saga up to this point--even solely in celluloid form--you should definitely check this one out to see the resolution of the story.  The actors all do very well, and I was glad to see one iconic moment from the book involving Mrs. Weasley recreated rather poignantly.

The Bad: Since the characters are getting older, this is a bit more intense and scary than the previous films.  If you or your kids are freaked out by anything in the series prior to this, I wouldn't recommend this finale to you or them.  Also, the profanity count was a bit higher than I would have liked.

Conclusion: Finishing this gives me a serious sense of accomplishment.  For those who don't know, my plan for this month is to get through the entire Harry Potter series in both book and movie form.  While I still have Cursed Child to read and Fantastic Beasts to both read and watch, I'm proud of myself for making it this far.  Overall, this was a satisfying conclusion; I don't want to say too much as to not give the plot away.  Fans will have a blast.

Score: 4.5/5

TV DVD Review: "Batman: The Animated Series": Volume Two

Synopsis: In this second volume of the Caped Crusader's animated adventures, Gotham has gotten even crazier! Between Batman's usual villains--The Joker, the Penguin, etc.--new bad guys pop up all the time! With the help of his butler, Alfred, and his occasional sidekick, Robin, Batman will do everything in his power to save the day and put the criminals in jail...but, will even his strength, intelligence, and technology be enough?
Based on characters and stories from DC Comics.

The Good: Wow; where to start? The stories in this volume are fabulous; each one kept me gripped until the end! I adored the animation; it's much better than what you get in today's weird-looking 'toons.  All of the voice work is spot-on, especially Mark Hamill (Star Wars) as the Joker.  It's easy to see why this series is fondly remembered by those who watched it back in the day.

The Bad: The only complaint I really have is that God's name is misused a few too many times.  There's no other profanity; somehow, secular epithets weren't allowed, but blasphemous ones were.  Some discerning viewers may take issue with that.

Conclusion: Language issues aside, this second volume of the Dark Knight's adventures was a blast! I wish I had the next installment on hand; after this, I want more! Superhero fans who haven't seen this yet should definitely give it a try!

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One"

Synopsis: The war has begun! After the death of Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione are determined to destroy the Horcruxes; doing so will defeat the evil Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents when Harry was just an infant.  Haunted by dreams of the Dark Lord, Harry isn't sure where to start looking...until he learns of the three Deathly Hallows, one of which is the most powerful wand in existence.  Knowing that it's his only chance of defeating Voldemort, Harry and his friends seek it out.  However, Harry has been labeled "Undesirable No. 1" by a wizard newspaper, and plenty of other wizards and witches are hot on his trail.  Will he emerge victorious?
Based on the book by J.K. Rowling.

The Good: We're almost at the conclusion of this saga, and there are a lot of loose ends to be wrapped up; this movie does so in a big way.  The action sequences are spot-on, and all of the actors--especially the three young leads--do a fabulous job.  It's great to see Fleur and Tonks appear again, and the animated sequence of the fairy tale was a nice touch.

The Bad: Since this is only based on the first half of the last book, it feels like you only get half of a movie here; all this one does is set up the events of the next (and last) film.  The profanity count was a bit excessive, and some of the violence was a bit bloody.  My biggest complaint, though, was the scene with the Horcrux showing Harry and Ron passionately embracing, which is why the MPAA warned of "brief sensuality".  Parents of young children may be rather disturbed by that; it's easily the most sexual thing in the movies so far.

Conclusion: I read the last book not long after it came out; soon after, it was announced that it would be made into two films.  It made sense, given the plot; there was no subplot to cut out.  While this movie stayed fairly true to the book, people expecting a full adventure may be disappointed.  If you buy or rent this one, make sure you get the next one at the same time, as you'll be left awaiting to see what happens next.

Score: 4/5